A 25-year-old British woman who reported being raped in Hong Kong now faces the possibility of prison.
Isabel Rose, from Hackney, east London, went to Hong Kong police in early 2024 after meeting a man she had encountered during her travels in Asia. The man was arrested, but Rose was subsequently charged with blackmail and later with perverting the course of justice. He denies all allegations and faces no charges.
Her trial, heard by a judge last year, is expected to reach a verdict on 3 March. If convicted, Rose could serve several years behind bars. Prosecutors alleged she initially requested £5,000 and later demanded £100,000, claims she denies, stating she was seeking compensation for the alleged assault.
Rose has remained on bail throughout, unable to work or leave Hong Kong. The UK consulate said it cannot comment on individual cases but provides consular support to nationals.
Hong Kong operates under the “one country, two systems” framework, maintaining its own legal system despite being part of China since the 1997 handover.
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